20 Unexpected Firsts that Make Average Leaders Remarkable

Being first isn’t always good, sometimes it’s necessary.

When you see remarkable leaders you know they did something first. Sometimes it’s crafting plans. Other times it’s trying something new. Some firsts are unexpected.

Moving from average to remarkable leadership requires being first in twenty ways.

20 unexpected firsts remarkable leaders adopt:

1. Practice vulnerability first. Self-protection weakens relationships.
2. Build relationship first. Fear pulls back.
3. Act collaboratively first. Leaders are more than individual contributors.
4. Self-reflect first. Failure waits for leaders who stop noticing themselves systematically.
5. Seek perspectives first. Input is protection. Acting on your own devalues others.
6. Evaluate based on action and result first. The story in your head is part fiction.
7. Think impact first. Shift from how things impact you to how you impact others.
8. Pause first. Spontaneous response is like spilling spaghetti.
9. Forgive first. Grudges corrode your heart.
10. Listen first. Talk last.
11. Learn first. Burst the façade of perceived knowledge with questions.
12. Trust first. Trust can be unearned but must be given first.
13. Look forward first. Notice the direction of conversations. The past never changes.
14. Challenge assumptions first. Ask, “What makes you say that?”
15. Encourage first. Truett Cathy said, “How do you know if someone needs encouragement? If they are breathing!”
16. Take responsibility first. Blame destroys trust.
17. Turn toward tough conversations first. Stress is the tax on avoiding.
18. Get help first. Reach higher if you don’t need help. Fools struggle until pain drives them to seek help.
19. Seek feedback first. Improvement begins with feedback.
20. Ask how first. “How can we do this?” is better than, “We’re doomed.”

Tip: Practice humility first. Most items on the list offend arrogance. Curiosity is a fundamental component of humility. Show up asking questions first.

Twenty firsts are too many to remember. Which first most applies to you today?

Why You Need to Stop Fighting Arrogance

How to Be a Good Leader – businessnewsdaily.com